13th Feb.2010 (Varkala –Edava & Kappil beach, Enjengo Fort)After spending half a day in Varkala – just lazing around the beach gulping beer and sea fish,,, I always wanted to rent a bike as I did in Pallolem and Munnar.
I saw a most of the tourists (firangs) on a Activa, Scooty Pep or a Splendor,,, but being a die hard Bulletwala – riding those chotus would not be fun.
How we got the Bike on rent,,,
By now – you would be wondering why rent a bullet if I have one “the blue” dilli wala number. Well, I am on vacation and had not mood to ride down south in this short 3 day vacation.
Me and Soma enquired almost every agent in Varkala – Papanism Cliff for a bullet – but all were on rent. Dejected, we had our hopes getting the last moment. After supper, we headed to our guest house. On conversation with the owner back home – I spoke for my love on bike riding and visiting new places. One of the owner’s friend -Sunil, was an ardent Bullet lover. Well- I had to tell all that fancy story travelling here n there-Spiti n Hampi,,,I managed to persuade him and got the bike for rent for Rs.400 a day.
Riding along the Arabian Coast
After a quick swim in Papanasam beach (Varkala) , few checks on the bike and headed straight for the petrol bunk in Varkala. Had some amazing crunchy Poori’s n vada in local restaurant and headed for the new journey.
Well, as passerby’s stated – its one place where you get to see the Arabian Sea and the backwaters. A similar landscape what I had spotted while backpacking to Go-Karna. (Konkan route) I did not waste a single minute getting there as the day was getn warmer,,,,Wow – I just can’t tell what a feeling it was while we arrived at Kappil beach.
As we crossed the bridge – we turned to a straight rode – to me left was the mighty blue Arabian sea and to my right was the greeny Kappil backwaters. Me and Soma just thought for a moment – are we here or is it a dream. I could here the gush of waves hitting the Kappil beach shores. Out was a camera - managed to click loads of photos in all directions. We went further ahead – along the beach on bike to get some good pics. En route back to Varkala – we visited the private harbour – a new houseboat at anchor.
As it got humid – we stopped at a local chai shop at 1 for Nimbu Pani. Some tips from the locals – Edava beach was worth a visit. Kappil Beach to Edava beach is a mere 3 kms by road .
Edava Beach
We ventured deep in the villages to figure out Edava,,,few wrong turns – but we managed to locate. We spotted an Ayurvedic Spa near the beach – I spotted a well paved track along the sea shore,,after a break at the nearby refreshment area, we headed on our journey.
As it got humid – we stopped at a local chai shop at 1 for Nimbu Pani. Some tips from the locals – Edava beach was worth a visit. Kappil Beach to Edava beach is a mere 3 kms by road .
Edava Beach
We ventured deep in the villages to figure out Edava,,,few wrong turns – but we managed to locate. We spotted an Ayurvedic Spa near the beach – I spotted a well paved track along the sea shore,,after a break at the nearby refreshment area, we headed on our journey.
Biking along that 3 kms sea shore route was unbelievable. A bit scary - as I have a cliff to my left with the Arabian Sea. With the Standard 350 on 1st gear, we rode along the lonesome paved track to get some of the best glimpses of my riding times,,,yes – it reminded me of the blue-turquoise lake of Pangong Tso,,,it was an absolute blue out there with the rhyming of the waves,,,a few bright colored boats could be spotted along the beach. Me and Soma just loved sitting in the shade and enjoyed the view. I guess – the rented bike helped us visiting these places – of all the days I stayed in Varkala – I heard only a few visiting these places.Varkala, Enjengo Fort & Golden Island
We were exhausted by 3ish – and wanted to hit back to Papanasam beach (Varkala). Enroute – we wanted to stop midway to have the local stuff – sea fish. Cudo’s to the friendly people – that we got a very good restaurant midway. Well – lunch time was over – so we had to request them for a meal. The cook gave us various options on fish – and so we choose. We had a good meal and headed for Enjengo fort.
Enjengo Fort
Enjengo Fort is one of the prime watch towers in the Chennai region. You will have to clim 225 steps to get a good view of the top. Well – once we reached, it was worth a sight. It seems God had enough time to make this place better – lush green landscape with loads of Coconut trees overlooking the Arabian sea.
A few tips from a localite – we headed for Golden Island to check out on the sunset.
Golden Island
Well, if you are in God’s Own Country – not all places will be perfect as it may seem. As the name sounds – there was nothing Golden,,, Yes- but an island in the backwaters. We travelled quite a distance to get there,,,we stopped on the main bridge to have a glance of the Golden Island. A perfect evening to spend with Soma – as we got to see an amazing sunset. What I liked – was most people were chit chatting on the bridge – and getting loads of masala of what happened during their day.
After Sunset, we left for the Varkala beach.
Me and Soma really enjoyed this short trip. Thanks to Sunil for giving his bike on rent.
I believe sometimes – the brand of owning a Bullet really helps you sometime.
Statistics.
Total Distance : 120 Kms
Places Visited : Varkala ( Papanism Cliff & Beach , Edava & Kappil Beach, Enjengo Fort and Varkala Town.
Bike Rent & Petrol : Rs600.00
Approx Temp: 33*C
Humidity: 85%
Happy Viewing: http://picasaweb.google.co.in/kkrajiv/InVarkala?feat=directlink
